'Mad Friday' revellers across Britain mark the biggest party night of the year

Police and paramedics were braced last night for the fallout from 'Mad Friday' - one of their busiest evenings of the year, when revellers hit the town for pre-Christmas drinks with friends and colleagues.

Also known as 'Black Eye Friday,' it's typically the Friday closest to Christmas Eve. However, with many people expected to eschew the festive booze-up next week ahead of Christmas Eve on Saturday, Britain's high streets were awash with revelers last night - many of them looking worse-for-wear in the small hours.

London Ambulance Service took 5,897 calls before midnight, and 300 between 12am and 1am.

Earlier this month London Ambulance Service launched a social media campaign highlighting the impact of alcohol-related calls on other ill and injured patients in the capital.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, Medical Director at London Ambulance Service, said: “Every ambulance crew responding to someone who has simply had too much to drink, is an ambulance crew not responding to an ill or injured person who needs them.

'Mad Friday' in NottinghamCredit:
Tom Maddick SWNS.com

“Patients reported to be collapsed and unconscious trigger the fastest ambulance response. It’s not possible to tell over the phone whether they have a serious illness or injury, or have simply had too much to drink, so we have to prioritise them immediately.

“Meanwhile, other patients such as a child with a broken arm, an uninjured elderly faller or someone involved in a road traffic collision will wait longer for an ambulance.

“We want Londoners to have a great time during this party season but, we also need them to look after themselves and their friends. By eating a meal before they go out, drinking responsibly and taking care of themselves, they can make sure our ambulance crews are free to respond to other incidents.”

Police on George Square, Glasgow.Credit:
Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com

These sentiments were echoed by Richard Lee, Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, who said: "This is traditionally a very busy time of the year for the service and we have been working with police forces, local health boards and local authorities to prepare for the expected increase in demand.

"Our key message to people is not to leave the NHS and emergency services to pick up the pieces by having too much to drink.

"Every minute one of our ambulance crews or call handlers spends dealing with someone experiencing the effects of excess alcohol is one where they could be helping a member of the community whose life is at risk.

"We are not killjoys but we are asking the public to drink responsibly and enjoy themselves safely. Please look after your mates and make sure you have a plan for getting home."